The Rats & People Motion Picture Orchestra
In writing and performing scores to silent films (from Sergei Eisenstein's union-advocating Strike to F.W. Murnau's horror classic Nosferatu), the Rats & People Motion Picture Orchestra provides an alternate dialogue to the story on the screen. Principals Matt Pace (piano, trumpet) and Brien Seyle (violin) compose each score from scratch before asking their comrades to fill in the sonic blanks with low trombone notes, martial drums and the occasional theremin interlude. The end result is a combination of live performance, film theory and storytelling. (CS)

The Red-Headed Strangers
It's a family affair for the Red-Headed Strangers: The talented (and, yes, red-headed) Sullivan brood fills up whatever stage it's on, playing classic country with an ear for folksy harmony. Sisters Maureen Sullivan and Clare Krueger often share the mic, but it's a non-relation — and gasp, a non-ginger — who helps the whole show hang together. Brian Wiegert, formerly of Team Tomato, shares the Sullivans' country soul: He plays electric guitar and sings lead with the conviction of a Texas troubadour. (CS)
Best Blues Artist

Big Mike Aguirre
The young blues-guitar slinger has been known to throw down with jam bands and unplug for a solo gig. But for the most part, Aguirre (pronounced a-gerr-ay, with R's rolled) keeps the flame of Stevie Ray Vaughan burning hot on a Stratocaster that seems to respond not just to his fingers but also to his soul. Aguirre and his band recently recorded a CD at BB's Jazz, Blues & Soups, which is slated for a release later this year, while his ongoing residency at Brandt's Café has been picking up steam. (RK)11:30 p.m., Flamingo Bowl Palm Room

Big George Brock
At the age of 78, harmonica powerhouse and devastating dresser Big George Brock is one of the unshakable cornerstones of the St. Louis blues scene. He's played with every other legend in the genre, from Albert King to Jimmy Reed, and he's even blown the harp for actor Steven Seagal. His instrumental style is instinctive and muscular — he runs the scales down with a master's touch, and his voice is the true sound of the blues: deep, leathery and plainspoken. (RK)

Uvee Hayes
Singer Uvee Hayes knows how to work the push and pull of blues music, and she can summon seduction, sorrow or righteousness at the pluck of a guitar string. But Hayes' ability to incorporate other, diverse genres makes her a versatile artist. She can work funk, soul, pop and modern R&B into her sets, and her albums and her voice (which can be sweet or sultry) never rest on any one style for too long. (CS)
Alvin Jett & the PhaT NoiZ Blues Band
If 2 a.m. on a Sunday morning sometimes finds you holed up at BB's Jazz, Blues & Soups, then you likely know that Alvin Jett and crew provide an unrivaled soundtrack for such extended late nights. Jett's classic, bending lead lines are backed by the funky, contemporary blues sound of his backing band, the Phat Noiz. The group has kept things moving forward over the past few years by releasing recorded material at a prolific rate. Tunes such as "Make Me Blue," from last year's Honey Bowl, highlight the band's penchant for deep-pocketed funk grooves that put Jett's syrupy baritone vocals front and center. The followup to Bowl is due out later this summer. (SM)
Marquise Knox
A lot has been made of Marquise Knox's age since the blues crooner and guitar phenom started playing out in the local blues clubs when he was just fifteen. But Knox was no flash in the pan or an overhyped youngster with no dedication to the art. His delivery possesses authenticity and sincerity, which immediately sets him apart from his peers. And the release of his 2009 debut album, Man Child, made some serious waves in the blues community at large, which positioned him as one of the most promising new ambassadors of the blues. Overseas live dates and a summer trip to some blues festivals outside of St. Louis should bring his undeniable talents to the attention of a much wider audience. (SM)
Best DJ

Funky Butt Brass Band

Beth Bombara

Flex Boogie
You never know what Flex Boogie will pull from his bag of tricks on any given night — as he says on his MySpace bio, he plays "underground sets of whatever, from jazz and downtempo to hip-hop to deep/tech house to nü-breaks, broken beat or dub-step." His latest endeavor is Deep Spot on Thursday nights at Sol Lounge, an event that promises "100% Deep Funky House and Techno Music."— Annie Zaleski10 p.m., Flamingo Bowl Main Room

Rob Lemon
If you miss Rob Lemon's occasional gig spinning at Home Nightclub – he (rightfully) gets to open for the marquee national dance and DJ acts — or his monthly residence at Sol, don't despair: The scene stalwart tends to post his marathon sets up on the music-hosting site SoundCloud for anyone to download. Besides a genius bit of self-promotion, this gesture ensures that Lemon's seamless progressive-house mixes are accessible anytime. (AZ)1:15 p.m., Flamingo Bowl Main Room